The Best Family Films On TV This Christmas
These brilliant family movies will be hitting our TV screens over the festive season and we think they're the perfect way to get the whole brood together. So, what are you waiting for? Put the kettle on, grab the mince pies and start organising your TV schedule NOW!
1. Cinderella: Sky Movies, from December 18
We've all seen the animation, but we promise the whole family will be transfixed by this spectacular live action version of 'Cinderella' starring Lily James and Richard Madden. We defy you not to be spellbound during the beautiful ball scene!
2. Penguins of Madagascar: Sky Movies, available now
Plucky penguins Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private are back for another whirlwind adventure, this time fighting spies! The dynamic quartet joins forces with an undercover organization, North Wind, led by highly-trained, handsome Agent Classified, voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch. Now, the inter-species task force must battle the evil Dr Octavius Brine and prevent him from ending the world!
3. Arthur Christmas: Channel 4, December 19
Even adults will be laughing at this lovely family tale with a very festive twist. Arthur is the awkward one in his North Pole-based brood, but he's forced to come to the rescue when Christmas is threatened across the world. Expect plenty of action, laughs and a lovely moral message to round everything off.
4. The Addams Family: Channel 4, December 20
Older children and adults alike will love this cult comedy, which focuses on the Addams family and their super strange children Wednesday and Pugsley. When their Uncle Fester returns from a disastrous trip to the Bermuda Triangle, it's up to the whole family to figure out what he's hiding.
5. Beethoven: ITV2, December 21
An oldie but a goodie! St. Bernard puppy Beethoven escapes from a viscous vet and ends up snuggled in the bed of little Emily Newton. However, her irate dad George isn't a fan of dogs. AT ALL! Fortunately, gorgeous Beethoven manages to change his mind.
6. The Secret Garden: Channel 5, December 22
We love a good classic movie at Christmas! 'The Secret Garden' is a tad on the serious side for Christmas, but we're yet to meet a child who isn't enthralled by the idea of a hidden playground ready to be explored! Mary Lennox is a spoiled child forced to live with her sickly uncle and his son. Cue adventure and a fabulously happy ending!
7. Fly Away Home: Channel 5, December 23
Anna Paquin stole hearts the world over when she starred as Amy Alden in 'Fly Away Home' - a tale of perseverance, cute animals and a revived father-daughter relationship. What's not to love!
8. Mamma Mia: ITV3, December 23
Okay, so maybe this is one for the adults, but the kids will love the outrageous costumes, catching tunes and big dance numbers. Unleash your inner dancing queen on December 23.
9. Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb: Sky Movies, Christmas Eve
When things start going awry at New York’s Natural History Museum, long-suffering night guard Larry Daley, played by Ben Stiller, must find out the cause. Turns out, the Tablet which magically brings the museum’s exhibits to life is decaying and Larry must travel to the British Museum to fix it.
10. Dr Seuss' Horton Hears A Who!: Channel 4, Christmas Eve
Animated elephant Horton, voiced by Jim Carrey, finds a speck of dust floating in the Jungle of Nool. Upon closer inspection, Horton discovers the tiny city of Who-ville – a place he can hear but not see. Bright colours, zany characters and a great storyline make this a must watch.
11. Happy Feet: ITV, Christmas Day
Meet Mumble, a young emperor penguin who knows he must be able to sing to attract a mate…sadly he has a terrible voice. To get round the issue, Mumble learns to express himself through his talent for tap dancing! Who doesn't love dancing penguins?
12. Brave: BBC1, Christmas Day
Merida is a impetuous tom boy who’s more interested in adventure than becoming the perfect wife. At her parents’ insistence she lets the Highland lords fight for her hand in marriage, but a brush with a witch leads to all sorts of problems. Can she save her beloved mother in time? You’ll just have to watch and find out. Meet Merida and her naughty brothers on Christmas Day afternoon.
13. The Wizard Of Oz: Channel 5, Christmas Day
Made in 1939 (yes, really 1939!), 'The Wizard of Oz' is the ideal family film packed with crazy characters, a tornado and an adventure that will stick in children's minds forever. Plus, there's some pretty iconic songs to contend with!
14. How to Train Your Dragon: BBC3, Christmas Day
Hiccup is a Norse teenager struggling to adapt to the warrior lifestyle he’s been born in to. Tossed into dragon fighting school, Hiccup needs to prove himself, but instead of slaying the beast he tames one named Toothless, and ends up teaching his incredulous mates how to do the same. A brilliant adventure for everyone!
15. Ramona and Beezus: Channel 4, Boxing Day
Adapted from the 'Ramona Forever' book series, this charming family film follows Ramona as she navigates her older sister Beezus, her younger brother and her parents. Will she be able to save the family home when things go wrong? Will she get the thorns out of her hair?
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